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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 23:5 If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/23-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/02_Exo_23_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 23:5 - Justice and Mercy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/23-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/23-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm" title="Exodus 23:4">◄</a> Exodus 23:5 <a href="/exodus/23-6.htm" title="Exodus 23:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If you see that the donkey of someone who hates you has collapsed under its load, do not walk by. Instead, stop and help.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying <i>helpless</i> under its load, you shall not leave it <i>helpless</i> for its owner; you must arrange <i>the load</i> with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying helpless under its load, you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall surely release it with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying <i>helpless</i> under its load, you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall surely release <i>it</i> with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying <i>helpless</i> under its load, you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall surely release <i>it</i> with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying helpless under its load, you shall not leave the man to deal with it [alone]; you must help him release the animal [from its burden].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If you see the donkey of someone who hates you lying helpless under its load, and you want to refrain from helping it, you must help with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of someone who hates you lying helpless under its load, and you want to refrain from helping it, you must help with it.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, thou shalt forbear to leave him, thou shalt surely release it with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If a donkey is overloaded and falls down, you must do what you can to help, even if it belongs to someone who doesn't like you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whenever you see that the donkey of someone who hates you has collapsed under its load, don't leave it there. Be sure to help him with his animal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If his donkey has fallen under its load, help him get the donkey to its feet again; don't just walk off. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If you see your enemy's donkey lying helpless under its load, you must not abandon it; rather, you are certainly to return it to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen under its load, you must not ignore him, but be sure to help him with it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of him who hates you fallen down under his burden, do not leave him, you shall surely help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If thou shalt see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of him who hates you fallen down under his burden, don’t leave him. You shall surely help him with it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />when you see the donkey of him who is hating you crouching under its burden, then you have ceased from leaving [it] to it—you certainly leave [it] with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> when thou seest the ass of him who is hating thee crouching under its burden, then thou hast ceased from leaving it to it -- thou dost certainly leave it with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If thou shalt see the ass of him hating thee, lying down under his load, and thou didst desist from cutting loose for him, releasing, thou shall release with him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lie underneath his burden, thou shalt not pass by, but shalt lift him up with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If you see the donkey of one who hates you, fallen under its burden, you shall not pass by without lifting it up with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When you notice the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you should not desert him; you must help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden and you would hold back from setting it free, you must help to set it free.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If you should see the ass of your enemy lying under its burden, and you are unwilling to help him lift it up, you should surely help him to lift it up nevertheless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And when you shall see the donkey of your enemy that is lying under his burden and you do not want to lift it up, surely lift it up.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under its burden, thou shalt forbear to pass by him; thou shalt surely release it with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if thou see thine enemy's ass fallen under its burden, thou shalt not pass by it, but shalt help to raise it with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/23-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5759" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Justice and Mercy</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: ṯir·’eh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">you see</a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: ḥă·mō·wr (N-msc) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">the donkey</a> <a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: śō·na·’ă·ḵā (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc:: 2ms) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">of one who hates you</a> <a href="/hebrew/7257.htm" title="7257: rō·ḇêṣ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to crouch; be implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed.">fallen</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/4853.htm" title="4853: maś·śā·’ōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- From nasa'; a burden; specifically, tribute, or porterage; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire.">its load,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2308.htm" title="2308: wə·ḥā·ḏal·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To cease. A primitive root; properly, to be flabby, i.e. desist; be lacking or idle.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: mê·‘ă·zōḇ (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">leave</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">it there;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ‘ā·zōḇ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">you must help him</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ta·‘ă·zōḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with it.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/22-4.htm">Deuteronomy 22:4</a></span><br />If you see your brother’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, you must not ignore it; you must help him lift it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a></span><br />If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20</a></span><br />On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a></span><br />Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a></span><br />Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a></span><br />Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-29.htm">Job 31:29-30</a></span><br />If I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him— / I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17</a></span><br />Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a></span><br />In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-33.htm">Luke 10:33-34</a></span><br />But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, and when he saw him, he had compassion. / He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If you see the ass of him that hates you lying under his burden, and would forbear to help him, you shall surely help with him.</p><p class="hdg">if thou see</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/22-4.htm">Deuteronomy 22:4</a></b></br> Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift <i>them</i> up again.</p><p class="hdg">and wouldest forbear to help him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/exodus/10-10.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/exodus/18-22.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Forbear</a> <a href="/1_john/4-20.htm">Hates</a> <a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Hateth</a> <a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Help</a> <a href="/romans/5-6.htm">Helpless</a> <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/exodus/13-20.htm">Leaving</a> <a href="/genesis/45-1.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/genesis/43-14.htm">Release</a> <a href="/exodus/10-28.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/exodus/18-22.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/exodus/7-16.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/numbers/24-9.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/exodus/23-21.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/numbers/4-15.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/exodus/34-24.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/exodus/31-17.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-38.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-22.htm">Forbear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-27.htm">Hates</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-10.htm">Hateth</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-17.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/exodus/31-6.htm">Help</a> <a href="/job/5-16.htm">Helpless</a> <a href="/exodus/32-10.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/numbers/21-35.htm">Leaving</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-22.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-7.htm">Release</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-28.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/exodus/23-33.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/exodus/23-33.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/exodus/30-24.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-2.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Of slander, false witness, and partiality</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Of charitableness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Of justice in judgment</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Of taking bribes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Of oppressing a stranger</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-10.htm">Of the year of rest</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Of the Sabbath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-13.htm">Of idolatry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-14.htm">Of the three feasts</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-18.htm">Of the blood and the fat of the sacrifice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/23-20.htm">An angel is promised, with a blessing, if they obey him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of compassion and mercy, even towards one's enemies. In the ancient Near Eastern context, donkeys were common beasts of burden, essential for transportation and agriculture. The image of a donkey fallen under its load would have been a familiar and distressing sight, symbolizing a burden too heavy to bear. This command challenges the natural human inclination to ignore or even take pleasure in the misfortune of an adversary. It echoes the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor, as seen in <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>, and foreshadows Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> to love your enemies.<p><b>do not leave it there;</b><br>This directive underscores the moral obligation to act, rather than remain passive, in the face of another's need. The cultural expectation in ancient Israel was to assist those in distress, reflecting the communal nature of society. This commandment aligns with the broader biblical theme of justice and righteousness, where inaction in the face of suffering is seen as a failure to uphold God's law. <a href="/proverbs/24-11.htm">Proverbs 24:11-12</a> similarly calls for intervention to rescue those in danger, reinforcing the idea that God's people are to be proactive in doing good.<p><b>you must help him with it.</b><br>The requirement to assist the enemy's donkey highlights the call to overcome personal animosity and act with kindness. This act of helping is not just about alleviating the animal's suffering but also about extending grace to the enemy, promoting reconciliation and peace. This principle is mirrored in the New Testament, where Paul in <a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20-21</a> encourages believers to overcome evil with good. The act of helping an enemy's donkey can be seen as a type of Christ's own ministry, where He bore the burdens of humanity, offering help and salvation to those who were once His enemies (<a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8-10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The original audience of the laws given in Exodus, including this commandment, were the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were being instructed on how to live righteously.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_donkey.htm">The Donkey</a></b><br>A common beast of burden in ancient times, representing the practical and everyday concerns of life. The donkey in this verse symbolizes the burdens and challenges faced by others, even those who may be considered enemies.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_enemy.htm">The Enemy</a></b><br>The person who "hates you" is a significant figure in this verse, representing those with whom we have conflict or enmity. The command challenges the believer to act with compassion and integrity regardless of personal feelings.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_load.htm">The Load</a></b><br>The burden under which the donkey has fallen symbolizes the struggles and difficulties that people face, which can be both physical and spiritual.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_act_of_helping.htm">The Act of Helping</a></b><br>This event is a call to action, urging believers to assist others in need, regardless of personal animosity, reflecting God's love and justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/compassion_over_conflict.htm">Compassion Over Conflict</a></b><br>This verse teaches that compassion should override personal animosity. Believers are called to act with kindness and mercy, even towards those who may oppose them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_love.htm">Practical Love</a></b><br>Love is not just a feeling but an action. Helping an enemy's donkey is a tangible expression of love and obedience to God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a></b><br>By helping those who hate us, we reflect God's character, who shows kindness to both the just and the unjust.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/overcoming_evil_with_good.htm">Overcoming Evil with Good</a></b><br>This command encourages believers to overcome evil with good, a principle that is foundational to Christian ethics.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_responsibility.htm">Community and Responsibility</a></b><br>The verse highlights the importance of community and the responsibility we have towards one another, regardless of personal relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_the_son_do_anything_by_himself.htm">Should you love your neighbor and hate your enemy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_animal_rights.htm">What does the Bible say about animal rights?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_animal_testing.htm">What is the Bible's stance on animal testing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_numbers_31's_warfare_approach_unique.htm">Numbers 31 compared to earlier laws in Exodus and Leviticus: Why does this narrative's approach to warfare seem inconsistent with other divine commandments?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee . . . --</span>The sense is clear, but the words are greatly disputed. If a man sees his enemy's ass prostrate under its burthen, he is to help to raise it up. In this case he owes a double duty--(1) to his enemy, and (2) to the suffering animal. Geddes' emendation of <span class= "ital">'azar </span>for '<span class= "ital">azab, </span>in all the three places where the verb occurs, is the simplest and best of those suggested. The passage would then run: "If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burthen, and wouldest forbear to help it, thou shalt surely help with him"--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the owner.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If thou see the ass of him that</span> <span class="cmt_word">hateth thee,</span> etc. The general meaning of the passage is clear - assistance is to be given to the fallen ass of an enemy - but the <span class="accented">exact</span> sense of both the second and third clauses is doubtful. Many renderings have been suggested; but it is not clear that any one of them is an improvement on the Authorised Version. <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt surely help with him</span>. The joint participation in an act of mercy towards a fallen beast would bring the enemies into friendly contact, and soften their feelings towards each other. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/23-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you see</span><br /><span class="heb">תִרְאֶ֞ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṯir·’eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the donkey</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲמ֣וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·mō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> </span><span class="str2">A male ass</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of one who hates you</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׂנַאֲךָ֗</span> <span class="translit">(śō·na·’ă·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8130.htm">Strong's 8130: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fallen</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹבֵץ֙</span> <span class="translit">(rō·ḇêṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7257.htm">Strong's 7257: </a> </span><span class="str2">To crouch, be implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">under</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its load,</span><br /><span class="heb">מַשָּׂא֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(maś·śā·’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4853.htm">Strong's 4853: </a> </span><span class="str2">A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחָדַלְתָּ֖</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥā·ḏal·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2308.htm">Strong's 2308: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">leave</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעֲזֹ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ă·zōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, relinquish, permit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it there;</span><br /><span class="heb">ל֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">you must help him</span><br /><span class="heb">עָזֹ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·zōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, relinquish, permit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with it.</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/23-5.htm">Exodus 23:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/23-5.htm">Exodus 23:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/23-5.htm">Exodus 23:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/23-5.htm">Exodus 23:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/23-5.htm">Exodus 23:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/23-5.htm">Exodus 23:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/23-5.htm">Exodus 23:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/23-5.htm">Exodus 23:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/23-5.htm">Exodus 23:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/23-5.htm">Exodus 23:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/23-5.htm">OT Law: Exodus 23:5 If you see the donkey of him (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 23:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 23:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/23-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 23:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 23:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>